ALCOHOL AND ATHLETICS.

White Ribbon, Volume 32, Issue 378, 18 January 1927, Page 12

ALCOHOL AND ATHLETICS.

The athletes from “dry” Finland took second place in the Olympic games They give their opinion of the influence of alcohol on athletics. SKIING. Matt! Raivio declared: “I think that alcoholic drinks lower muscular strength when it is a matter of holding out for a considerable time. I believe that on an occasion of this kind alcohol is detrimental even if taken in very small doses.” Anton Collin believes “Alcohol is pernicious in athletics, whatever the effort is that must be made, and its influence is particularly bad for endurance” Matti Koskenko'va states; “I began to take part in ski contests when I was

a moderate drinker, but I gave up alcohol after I Iwgan to obtain success. 1 believe that alcohol is neither necessary nor advisable to skiers.” Ranni Roni gives the following opinion: "Being in an athletic environment for twenty years as a participant in contests and as an organiser of events, I have l>een able to observe facts and hear opinconviction that alcoholic liquors, even if weak, have an unfavourable influence, especially in a contest that demands endurance. 1 know that one company of skiers in particular has failed regularly of success from taking alcoholic liquors even though very moderately, the evening before the meet, or the morning of the start. The other competitors were absolutely convinced of the cause of the failure, because they rather mischievously encouraged thi« weakness as a means of putting their adversaries at a disadvantage. Resides diminishing muscular strength, the use of alcohol also reduces energy. It begets a desire for comfort. Victory appears less desirable. T have known a number of athletes who had this kind of an experience. Our best skiers do not use alcoholic liquors, except, perhaps, on very rare occasions, w'hen resting after a race.” RUNNING. Yejo Jokala says: “Alcohol is not good for runners, and that’s the reason I have been an abstainer for a long time.” Ville Kyronen, another well-known runner, says: “I have known runners in America who use alcoholic liquors, hut their period in the limelight was never very long, at the most a few years. I have always been abstinent. I have never used tobacco, and I have not used coffee for four years, all the time that I have taken part In races. I attribute to this practice the fact that

I have l>een able to come out victorious over the American champions in flvt and ten mile races and in the obstuch race. Those who desire to l>e on th» honour roll for a long time must ah stain entirely from all exciting substances.**